Jorhat, Oct 1: Despite heavy rainfall, a large crowd of fans, friends, and admirers of the iconic Zubeen Garg gathered at Jorhat Stadium on Wednesday to pay their last respects during the 13-day mourning period.

The day commenced with a solemn all-faith prayer meeting at 8 am, followed by public homage starting at 9 am. The singer's ashes, which were transported from Guwahati on September 30, were made available for devotees to pay their tributes.

Approximately 2,000 devotees from various Namghars, including Dhekiakhowa Bor Namghar and Moinaporia Namghar, participated in mass prayers, devotional singing, and chanting.

The rituals were conducted with great reverence, featuring 100 Gayan Bayan performers singing devotional songs, while 500 others engaged in the Diha Naam, transforming the stadium into a vibrant sea of devotion.

Fans from all over Assam braved the rain to lay floral tributes, sing his songs, and chant prayers, turning the farewell into a poignant celebration of Garg's lasting impact.

Garima Garg, the singer's wife, along with 45 family members, attended the adya shraddha.

“Jorhat has played a significant role in shaping Zubeen’s cultural journey. Although we had to conduct his final rites in Sonapur due to his father's health, today, through this mangalik ritual, we are united in our prayers for his peaceful transition,” she stated.

She expressed sorrow over not being able to perform the cremation in his hometown.

“If it were possible to bring his remains here, we would have done so. However, we had to prioritize his father's health. I apologize to the people of Jorhat—please don’t abandon me. I am your daughter-in-law,” Garima emotionally conveyed.

She also pledged to carry on Garg’s unfinished projects, stating, “It is now our mission to complete all of Zubeen’s professional endeavors.”

Regarding the recent arrests of event organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta and Garg’s long-time manager Siddharth Sharma, Garima expressed her trust in the authorities.

“The entire state of Assam, including myself, seeks answers about what transpired that day. While we may not be able to bring him back, Assam deserves to understand why its beloved figure was neglected,” she remarked, noting that even the Singapore police have reached out to her.

Later in the day, the Matsya Sparsha ceremony will take place with a limited audience. The adya shraddha is anticipated to conclude by the end of the day.